
Loch of the Lowes
A premier Scottish wildlife haven, famous for its nesting ospreys and abundant red squirrels, offering scenic walks and watersports.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Osprey nesting season

Loch of the Lowes
Best Time
Osprey nesting season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier Scottish wildlife haven, famous for its nesting ospreys and abundant red squirrels, offering scenic walks and watersports.
"A must-visit for wildlife lovers, with incredible osprey views and charming red squirrels!"

Pack a Picnic 🧺
Limited food options on-site; bring your own snacks and lunch to enjoy by the loch.
Binoculars are Key 🔭
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience, especially for distant ospreys and birds.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Osprey Nest Viewing
Viewing Hides
Witness ospreys nesting and fishing in their natural habitat through well-equipped viewing hides.

Red Squirrel Feeders
Visitor Centre Area
Observe playful red squirrels at the feeders, a guaranteed delight for all ages.

Lochside Walks
Surrounding Paths
Enjoy scenic walks along the loch, with paths leading to nearby Dunkeld for a longer excursion.

Watersports on the Loch
Loch of the Lowes
Experience kayaking, paddleboarding, and wild swimming on the serene waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Osprey Nesting Season
Wildlife Spotting Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Picnic 🧺
Limited food options on-site; bring your own snacks and lunch to enjoy by the loch.
Binoculars are Key 🔭
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience, especially for distant ospreys and birds.
Check Osprey Updates 📸
Follow the Loch of the Lowes Facebook page for real-time nesting and activity updates.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Ideal for exploring the walking paths around the loch and to Dunkeld.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic 🧺
Limited food options on-site; bring your own snacks and lunch to enjoy by the loch.
Binoculars are Key 🔭
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience, especially for distant ospreys and birds.
Check Osprey Updates 📸
Follow the Loch of the Lowes Facebook page for real-time nesting and activity updates.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Ideal for exploring the walking paths around the loch and to Dunkeld.
Visit the Hides :camera_with_flash:
Three viewing hides offer telescopes for close-up views of ospreys and other birds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Loch of the Lowes for its incredible osprey viewing opportunities and the chance to see red squirrels. The knowledgeable and friendly staff/volunteers enhance the experience, making it educational and enjoyable. While food options are limited, the natural beauty and wildlife make it a highly recommended destination for nature enthusiasts.
"Beautiful and serene. A great place for Twitchers and nature lovers. From sitting in one of the hides watching the Ospreys dive for their food, to sitting inside watching the wonderful array of songbirds and red squirrels that come to feed at the feeding stations. We found a peaceful spot off the nature trail and sat quietly drinking our flasks of coffee, just looking out over the water. It was lovely. The staff in the visitor centre are really friendly, each time we've been, a member has come up to the hide with us, showing us where to spot different things. All really enthusiastic about their roles. That in itself is such a breath of fresh air. Thoroughly recommend for a peaceful afternoon out."
Bobbi Belle
"Found about this gem through social media and glad I came. Small place for birdwatching but worth a visit. Staff are beyond helpful and are willing to help you try and see the birds when they make an appearance. Couldn't have asked for more. If you like walking there's a path into nearby Dunkeld which we enjoyed, even sighting a deer in the forest!"
LillaKaterina
"Fantastic place, with a large viewing window out to some feeders with a variety of birds and also a few red squirrels. There are three viewing hides that look out on to the loch and each has telescopes that you can use, so you can view the ospreys and any other birds that are there. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you may have."
John Jamieson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Loch of the Lowes is accessible by car, with parking available. It's also a pleasant walk or cycle from the nearby town of Dunkeld, which has train and bus links.
Absolutely! Loch of the Lowes makes for a perfect day trip, offering wildlife spotting, walking, and watersports. You can easily combine it with a visit to Dunkeld.
From Edinburgh, you can take a train to Dunkeld & Birnam station, then enjoy a scenic walk or a short taxi ride to Loch of the Lowes. Driving is also a straightforward option.
While direct public transport to the loch is limited, you can reach nearby Dunkeld by train or bus and then walk or take a taxi.
Yes, cycling is a great option, especially from Dunkeld. The surrounding area offers beautiful routes for cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the loch and its viewing hides is generally free, though donations are appreciated. The visitor centre may have specific opening times and potential entry fees.
The outdoor areas and viewing hides are typically accessible during daylight hours. The visitor centre has specific opening times, which can vary seasonally.
While the loch itself is free to access, there might be a small charge or donation requested for the visitor centre or specific osprey viewing facilities.
Yes, you can access the loch and the viewing hides even when the visitor centre is closed. The hides offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Generally, no booking is required for individual visitors. However, if you plan a group visit or a specific event, it's advisable to check in advance.
🎫 🛕 Onsite Experience
Loch of the Lowes is famous for its ospreys, especially during nesting season. You can also spot red squirrels, various bird species, and sometimes even a beaver.
Knowledgeable volunteers and staff are often on hand to share insights about the wildlife and answer questions. Special events with guided walks may also be offered.
There are viewing hides with telescopes, a visitor centre (check opening times), and picnic areas. Restroom facilities are usually available.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for wildlife photography, particularly for ospreys and red squirrels. Bring a telephoto lens for the best results.
Dogs are generally welcome, but it's important to keep them on a lead, especially around wildlife and nesting areas, to ensure the safety of the animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options are very limited on-site. It's highly recommended to bring your own picnic to enjoy at the designated areas.
The nearby town of Dunkeld offers several charming cafes, pubs, and restaurants for a meal before or after your visit.
Yes, picnic areas are available, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature.
While there are no dining facilities directly at the loch, Dunkeld is within walking distance and has various eateries.
Dunkeld offers traditional Scottish pub fare, light lunches, and coffee and cake options in its local cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Ospreys are the star attraction, especially during their nesting and fishing activities. Red squirrels at the feeders are also popular subjects.
A telephoto lens (300mm or more) is highly recommended for capturing ospreys. A wider lens can be useful for landscape shots of the loch.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, avoid using flash photography that might disturb the wildlife, especially nesting birds.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography. This is also when wildlife is typically most active.
Drone usage is often restricted in wildlife reserves and near nesting sites to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to make a day of it, and let the kids explore the walking paths. The relatively flat terrain around the loch is manageable for little legs. Consider bringing a small pair of binoculars for them to use, enhancing their wildlife spotting experience.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for varied terrain. The trails are well-maintained, but some sections might be uneven. Keep an eye out for woodland birds and other local fauna as you explore.
📸 Wildlife Photographers
Be patient and respectful. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light. The viewing hides provide stable platforms for your equipment. Remember to check for any specific photography guidelines to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Ospreys of Loch of the Lowes
The conservation efforts at Loch of the Lowes have been instrumental in the recovery of the osprey population in the UK. Learning about their incredible migration patterns, from Scotland to West Africa, and back again, is a highlight for many visitors. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers at the visitor centre are passionate about sharing information about these magnificent birds, making the experience both educational and inspiring.
Remember to be quiet and respectful when observing the ospreys, as disturbance can impact their nesting success. The best times to see them fishing are often in the early morning or late afternoon. Following the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Loch of the Lowes social media pages can provide real-time updates on the osprey activity.
Red Squirrels and Other Wildlife Encounters
Visitors have also reported sightings of beavers in the area, adding another layer of wildlife intrigue to the loch. The surrounding woodlands and wetlands support a diverse range of birdlife, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for various waterfowl on the loch and woodland birds in the trees.
The walking paths around the loch offer opportunities to spot other native wildlife and enjoy the serene Scottish landscape. The presence of these varied species underscores the ecological importance of Loch of the Lowes as a protected natural habitat.
Activities and Recreation on the Loch
The surrounding area offers scenic walking trails, including a path that leads to the historic town of Dunkeld. These walks provide beautiful views of the loch and the surrounding countryside, and are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike.
For those seeking relaxation, the tranquil atmosphere of the loch is perfect for a picnic or simply enjoying the peace and quiet. The opportunity to combine wildlife observation with active pursuits makes Loch of the Lowes a versatile destination for nature lovers.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit